Repsol Honda riders Dani Pedrosa and Casey Stoner finished the first Race of the 1000cc era in second and third place, respectively, under the desert lights of the Losail International Circuit in Qatar.

Repsol Honda riders Dani Pedrosa and Casey Stoner finished the first Race of the 1000cc era in second and third place, respectively, under the desert lights of the Losail International Circuit in Qatar.

Casey Stoner controlled the race from the beginning. Taking the lead on the third lap of the race.

On lap 13 Stoner's lead began to shrink and by the 19th lap, Stoner's lead was relinquished.

Pedrosa overtook his teammate on lap 21 and there went on to chase the leader to the checkered flag.

Alvaro Bautista (San Carlo Honda Gresini RC213V) was part of a rousing four-way battle that went to the line. Bautista finished seventh, just in front of MotoGP rookie and fellow Honda rider Stefan Bradl.

Stefan Bradl, making his debut for LCR Honda had an impressive showing, racing in sixth for most of the race. He finished in the top 10.

"The bike was working well for us. I definitely had the package and the pace to lead the field, which was really positive."

"I'm very happy with this result because we have been able to turn around all the problems we had during the weekend."